People: RSM adds to Birmingham office with EY hire;  City set to welcome new mayor; and more

Audit, tax and consulting firm RSM has appointed Ainsley Wainwright as employer solutions director in its Birmingham office.

He joins RSM from EY where he was a director in the mobility team, advising a portfolio of clients ranging from large corporates and multi-nationals to middle market business across the Midlands. He also led the firm’s national team on personal tax compliance automation.

Wainwright brings deep experience in advising businesses on the movement of employees cross border, with particular specialisms in short term business traveller reporting, non-resident directors and mobility policy reviews. He has over 18 years in practice, and has supported clients across many sectors including automotive, manufacturing, healthcare, retail and football clubs.

Mark Taylor, RSM’s central region managing partner, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Ainsley to the team here in Birmingham. Whatever happens with Brexit, mobile workforces are here to stay and businesses will continue to need specialist support. Changes to legislation with regard to employment status and new risks concerning social security and immigration will also require careful management, so Ainsley’s expertise in this area will be hugely beneficial to our large corporate and middle market business client base.”

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Cllr Claire Darke will become the 161st Mayor of the City of Wolverhampton at a full council meeting this evening.

Darke, who has represented the city’s Park ward for 11 years, says will make recognising the contribution of women and prevention of suicide and self-harm the themes of her year in office.

She has been deputy mayor for the past 12 months, and will replace Cllr Phil Page at the city’s first citizen.

She said: “It’s a great honour to be Mayor and it’s a great opportunity to celebrate the city, promote the city and represent the city.

“The construction cranes are back in Wolverhampton and there is lots going on. Wolverhampton is a vibrant community and place to live and it is our citizens who make Wolverhampton the global place it is.”

In line with tradition, Darke has selected good causes which she will raise money for over the year.

Her chosen good causes are Wolverhampton Suicide Prevention Stakeholders Forum and the University of Wolverhampton Alumni Mayoral Scholarship Fund – a new venture to support local people into higher education.

Cllr Greg Brackenridge is set to be made deputy mayor.

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The ICC and Vox in Birmingham have bolstered their cross-venue event management team, as they focus on maximising their event delivery strategy for FY19/20.

Allan Boyle has taken on the position of general manager NEC Group Conventions, after four years as director of event services.  He will continue to lead on event operations and facilitate the business’ ambitious growth strategy.

The newest addition to the team is Barry Hope.  Appointed in the newly created role of head of technical production, the role will see him oversee the technical production delivery for all events at the venue.  Hope arrived at the start of the month following nine and a half years at Birmingham Hippodrome as head of technical services, and prior to that, experience at MattLX and as a production freelancer.

Boyle said: “The conference and live events market is constantly pushing the boundaries of event delivery, so having the correct team structure in place is crucial to our offering.  It is also important for us as venues to facilitate client usage of emerging technologies and incorporate them within the venues where possible.  This year’s innovation focus will help us maintain our position as two of the UK’s leading conference venues, and ensure we stay ahead of competitors.”